Deputy rescues woman trapped in car trunk

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Laurinburg, N.C. — A Scotland County sheriff’s deputy says God put him at the right place at the right time to rescue a woman trapped inside her trunk after she was kidnapped and forced to drive at gunpoint.

Lt. Tommy Butler was on his way home around 4 a.m. Sunday when he saw a car run through a stop sign at Sneads Grove and Old Wire roads.

He couldn’t ignore it, he said.

“Something just felt different about that one,” said Butler, who was exhausted after a long shift. “I immediately turned around and went after it.”

The red Hyundai Sonata was going about 85 mph, he said. Then, he clocked it at 115 mph.

When the car finally stopped, the driver got out and ran away.

Butler started to follow.

“That’s when I heard the screams coming from the trunk of the suspect’s vehicle,” he said.

Butler said a woman had been getting gas at a Kangaroo convenience store on South Main Street in Laurinburg when a pregnant woman approached her and asked for a ride.

The first woman agreed, but the pregnant woman’s boyfriend also got in the car, Butler said.

“They had her drive out into the county, and at such time, they put her in the trunk,” Butler said.

The suspects, Brandon McMillan, 27, and his girlfriend, Angela Crystal Hartley, were later arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping, common-law robbery and larceny of a motor vehicle, according to police.

McMillan was also charged with failing to stop for a blue light and siren, fleeing to elude arrest, failing to stop at a stop sign, speeding, driving with a revoked license and resisting, delaying and obstructing an officer.

Hartley's bond was set at $50,000 bond and McMillan was given a $140,000 bond.

Hartley is eight months pregnant.

Investigators say the couple stole the victim’s cell phone and $8 she had on her.

The victim was not injured. Her name is not being released because of safety reasons, investigators say.

ncmickeyFeb 3, 2011

"God has a special place in heaven for people like you." shane1701February 3, 2011 12:26 p.m.

Where is that in the Bible??

RaleighFeb 3, 2011

"God put him at the right place at the right time to rescue a woman trapped inside her trunk after she was kidnapped and forced to drive at gunpoint."....If God had put someone in the right place, the woman would not have been kidnapped. Why put the woman through being kidnapped only to place someone to rescue her from the truck of a car. Doesn't make any sense to me????

shane1701Feb 3, 2011

As I am certain Lt. Butler will just say he was just doing his job, as many heroes often lay claim. Lt. Butler, instead I say that you are one of the people who inspire us and make our country great!

I am certain the victim will never forget your unselfish service. God has a special place in heaven for people like you.

blessedmomof2Feb 3, 2011

Much gratitude to you Lt. Tommy Butler for your unselfish service. This increases hope in our law enforcement officials abilities. You sir are fulfilling your calling. Thank you for listening to God's voice!

jsc1990Feb 3, 2011

Very proud of this PATROLMAN! He is one with whom the bell tolls!

jscletsplay1002002Feb 3, 2011

“Something just felt different about that one,” said Butler

The red Hyundai Sonata was going about 85 mph, he said. Then, he clocked it at 115 mph.

That right there is what would have made me suspicious that something wasnt quite right. I dont care if it was at the end of his shift.Way to do your job to the end of your shift!!!Oh wait, your a gov employee, and you werent at Dunkin Donuts????? Whats wrong with you??? From what Im told all of us Gov employees are a waste of tax payers money.Oh and for those who couldnt pick up on it, Im being sarcastic ;)

ncmickeyFeb 3, 2011

How come God doesnt show up to save all kidnap victims??

ccacrabbitdogFeb 3, 2011

great job deputy!!!!!!! now to all u ignorant people that always post on golo that cops shouldn't chase.........i bet she's glad he went after that little traffic violation.....sure 95% of people that run are just stupid....but what about the 5% that just committed a serious crime...we are not cleo's and can't read minds...

WakeCountyRedNeckFeb 3, 2011

Job well done, Lt. Butler!

gunny462Feb 3, 2011

For $8 these ppl are going away for a looooong time? Geesh, out of the gene pool the both of you... ooh wait she's pregant lol